Tolerances  and  Specifications 

FOR 

Commercial  Weighing  and 
if       Measuring  Apparatus 

R 

FOR 

303 

soa  State  of  California 


===,-  Prepared  and  Adopted  by  the 

California  State  Department 
0  g  Weights  and  Measures 


8  s 

6  SACRAMENTO,  1915 


•  CALIFORNIA 

STATE  PRINTING  OFFICE 

1915 


CONTENTS 


PAGE. 

BERRY  BASKETS  AND  BOXES 6,  7 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  APPARATUS 2 

DESCRIPTION  OF  TOLERANCES  AND  SPECIFICATIONS 1 

MEASURES- 
LINEAR    2,  3 

LIQUID  CAPACITY  3,  4 

MEASURING  PUMPS 5 

MILK  BOTTLES   5,  6 

SCALES- 
GENERAL  SPECIFICATIONS  7,  8,  9,  10,  11 

PLATFORM  11,  12,  13,  14,  15 

COUNTER  BALANCES   16,  17,  IS,  19 

SPRING  BALANCES 19,  20,  21 

STRAIGHT  FACE  SPRING  BALANCES 22 

COMPUTING  22,  23,  24 

CREAM  TEST  AND  BUTTER  FAT  TEST 25 

WEIGHTS    26,  27 

WOOD   SPECIFICATIONS   ..  —27,  28,  29 


TOLERANCES  AND  SPECIFICATIONS 

PREPARED  AND  ADOPTED  BY 

STATE  DEPARTMENT  OF  WEIGHTS  AND  MEASURES 


CHAS.  G.  JOHNSON.  Superintendent. 

In  the  set  of  specifications  promulgated  herewith,  a  number  of  para- 
graphs have  been  limited  to  apply  only  to  new  apparatus  in  order  that 
the  Weights  and  Measures  Act  and  the  rules  and  regulations  pro- 
mulgated thereunder  may  be  put  into  force  and  effect  without  unneces- 
sary hardship  and  without  wholesale  condemnation  of  apparatus  which, 
while  not  of  the  best  construction,  is  nevertheless  fairly  satisfactory 
and  may  be  used  for  some  time  without  greatly  prejudicing  the  rights 
of  the  purchasing  public.  The  specifications  taken  as  a  whole  are 
designed  to  improve  the  general  types  of  apparatus  and  render  pos- 
sible the  most  efficient  enforcement  of  the  law.  As  old  apparatus  is 
replaced,  only  that  of  satisfactory  construction  will  be  allowed  to  be 
put  into  use;  and  at  some  future  date,  when  the  gradual  process  of 
elimination  has  been  going  on  for  some  time,  the  limitations  on  the 
application  of  some  of  the  specifications  will  be  recalled  and  all  appa- 
ratus in  use  will  be  required  to  be  of  satisfactory  construction.  The 
specifications  which  have  been  applied  to  both  old  and  new  apparatus 
are  those  which  are  most  urgently  required;  the  specifications  which 
have  been  limited  to  affect  new  apparatus  are  those  which,  while  clearly 
necessary,  can  best  be  postponed  for  general  enforcement  until  the 
general  provisions  of  the  law  and  of  the  rules  and  regulations  pro- 
mulgated thereunder  and  of  these  specifications  have  been  put  into 
effect  and  have  come  to  be  understood,  respected  and  observed  through- 
out the  State. 

The  object  of  all  of  these  is  not  only  for  the  benefit  and  the  protection 
of  the  consumer,  but  for  the  benefit  of  the  honest  merchant  and  manu- 
facturer as  well,  in  assisting  them  to  carry  on  their  business  free  from 
the  unjust  competition  of  a  dishonest  and  unscrupulous  or  an  ignorant 
class. 

APPLICATION  OF  SPECIFICATIONS. 

These  definitions,  specifications,  and  tolerances  are  to  be  construed 
to  apply  to  the  usual  types  of  weights  and  measures  and  weighing  and 
measuring  devices  used  in  ordinary  commercial  transactions  or  usually 
coming  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  weights  and  measures  official,  but 
only  when  a  proper  classification  is  herein  provided  for  them.  They 
shall  also  be  construed  to  apply  to  apparatus  used  for  special  purposes 
whenever  and  in  so  far  as  they  are  clearly  applicable,  but  not  otherwise. 
1—18465 


2  WEIGHTS   AND   MEASURES. 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  SPECIFICATIONS. 

The  specifications  on  weights  and  measures  and  weighing  and  meas- 
uring devices  shall  be  divided  into  two  sets;  the  first  to  apply  to  all 
apparatus  immediately  upon  adoption  of  the  specifications;  the  second 
to  be  limited  to  apply  only  to  new  apparatus. 

For  the  purpose  of  administration  the  following  classes  of  apparatus 
are  established: 

Class  1.  Weights  and  measures  and  weighing  and  measuring  devices 
which,  after  the  promulgation  of  these  specifications,  are  manufactured 
in  the  State  or  brought  into  the  State. 

Class  2.  Weights  and  measures  and  weighing  and  measuring  devices 
which  are  in  the  State  at  the  time  of  promulgation  of  these  specifica- 
tions, either  in  use,  or  in  the  stock  of  manufacturers  of,  or  dealers  in, 
such  apparatus. 

All  the  specifications  shall  apply  to  apparatus  of  Class  1. 

Hereafter  the  specifications  limited  to  apply  to  apparatus  of  Class  1 
only,  will  be  designated  by  a  star  (*)  before  the  section  affected. 


LINEAR  MEASURES. 


SPECIFICATIONS. 

1.  Measures  of  length  shall  be  made  of  a  material,  the  form  and 
dimensions  of  which  remain  reasonably  permanent  under  normal  condi- 
tions ;  for  example,  steel,  brass,  hard  wood,  etc. ;  provided,  however, 
that  tapes  for  commercial  purposes  may  be  made  of  cloth,  but  only 
when  this  is  wire-woven  and  when  by  this  means  an  actual  and 
sufficient  reinforcement  and  permanency  is  obtained. 

*2.  The  ends  of  measures  of  length  made  of  wood,  or  of  other  non- 
metallic  material  liable  to  wear  away  through  use,  shall  be  protected 
by  some  metal  not  softer  than  brass,  firmly  attached  to  the  measure. 

3.  Rigid  measures  of  length  shall  be  smooth  and  straight. 

4.  Folding  measures  of  length  shall  be  so  constructed  that  each  sec- 
tion will  come  to  a  definite  stop,  when  straightened  out. 

5.  Measures  of  length  shall  be   graduated  in  units  of  the  metric 
system  or  of  the  customary  system  and  its  usual  subdivisions. 

6.  All  graduations  shall  be  clear  and  distinct  and  the  main  gradua- 
tions shall  be  plainly  designated.     The  length  of  these  main  gradua- 
tions, shall  be  greater  than  that  of  the  intermediate  graduations,  and 
the  latter  shall  be  varied  in  length  in  such  a  way  that  they  may  be 
conveniently  read. 


•Applies  to   Class   1   apparatus  only. 


TOLERANCES  AND  SPECIFICATIONS. 


3 


*7.  Graduations  shall  not  be  greater  in  width  than  one-quarter  of  the 
width  of  the  smallest  subdivision;  provided,  however,  that  in  no  ease 
shall  the  line  be  wider  than  .03  inch. 

8.  All  graduations  shall  be  uniformly  spaced  and  be  perpendicular 
to  the  edge  of  the  measure. 

9.  Measures  of  length,  so  called,  constructed  by  driving  tacks  into  a 
counter,  or  in  any  similar  way,  shall  not  be  subdivided. 

TOLERANCES. 

The  tolerances  to  be  allowed  in  excess  or  deficiency  on  all  measures 
of  length  except  tapes  of  steel  or  other  metal  shall  not  be  greater  than 
the  following  values: 


Length 

Tolerance 

6  feet  

3/16  inch 

5  feet    _     . 

5/32  inch 

4  feet 

1/8    inch 

3  feet 

3/32  inch 

2  feet 

1/16  inch 

1  foot  

1/32  inch 

6  inches  or  less    - 

1/64  inch 

The  tolerances  to  be  allowed  in  excess  or  deficiency  on  all  tapes  of 
steel  or  other  metal,  shall  not  be  greater  than  the  following  values : 


Length 

Tolerance 

Tension 

100  feet  

1/4    inch 

10  pounds 

66  feet 

3/16  inch 

10  pounds 

50  feet 

1/8    inch 

33  feet  

3/32  inch 

10  pounds 

25  feet  

1/16  inch 

10  pounds 

10  feet  

1/16  inch 

5  pounds 

6  feet     .  .     . 

1/32  inch 

5  pounds 

3  feet 

1/32  inch 

LIQUID  CAPACITY  MEASURES. 

(NOT    INCLUDING   GRADUATED   GLASSWARE.) 


SPECIFICATIONS. 

1.  Liquid   measures   shall   be   made   of   metal,    glass,    earthenware, 
enameled  ware,  composition,  or  similar  and  suitable  material,  and  shall 
be  of  sufficient  strength  and  rigidity  to  withstand  ordinary  usage  with- 
out becoming  bent,  indented,  distorted  or  otherwise  damaged. 

2.  Liquid  measures  of  the  customary  systems  shall  be  of  one  of  the 
following  capacities  only:  One  gallon,  a  multiple  of  the  gallon,  or  a 

'Applies  to   Class   1  apparatus  only. 


4  WEIGHTS   AND   MEASURES. 

binary  sub-multiple  of  the  gallon,  that  is,  a  measure  obtaine'd  by  divid- 
ing the  gallon  by  the  number  2,  or  by  a  power  of  the  number  2 ;  pro- 
vided, however,  that  nothing  in  this  specification  shall  be  construed  to 
prevent  the  use  of  forms  for  ice  cream  exclusively,  in  5  pint  and  3 
pint  sizes,  or  bottles  for  milk  or  cream  in  the  3  pint  size. 

3.  Liquid  measures  shall  be  so  constructed  that  the  capacity  is  deter- 
mined by  a  definite  edge  at  the  top  of  the  measure. 

4.  No  subdivided  liquid  measures  shall  be  allowed,   and  the  only 
reinforcing  rings  which  may  be  used  are  those  which  are  firmly  attached 
to  the  outside  of  the  measure,  and  do  not,  by  indentations  or  in  any 
other  manner,  show  divisions  or  lines  on  the  inside  surface  of  the 
measure.     Keinforcement  rings  shall  be  so  placed  that  they  will  not  be 
mistaken  for  graduations. 

*5.  The  capacity  of  the  measure  shall  be  conspicuously,  legibly  and 
permanently  indicated  on  the  side  of  the  measure.  This  shall  be  in 
combination  with  the  word  "Liquid"  or  the  letters  "Liq."  in  the  case 
of  measures  in  which  the  word  "quart"  or  "pint"  occurs.  In  the 
case  of  measures  made  of  earthenware,  enameled  ware  or  composition, 
this  marking  shall  be  of  a  different  color  than  the  measure. 

6.  If  a  liquid  measure  is  provided  with  a  tap  or  spigot,  the  construc- 
tion shall  be  such  that  the  measure  may  be  completely  emptied  by  the 
tap  or  spigot  while  it  is  standing  upon  a  level  surface. 

7.  When  a  lip  or  rim,  designed  both  to  facilitate  pouring  and  to 
receive  any  overflow,  is  provided,  the  measure  must  be  so  constructed 
as  to  hold  its  full  capacity  exclusive  of  the  lip  or  rim,  while  it  is  stand- 
ing upon  a  level  surface. 

TOLERANCES. 

The  tolerances  to  be  allowed  in  excess  and  in  deficiency  on  all  liquid 
capacity  measures  shall  not  be  greater  than  the  following  values: 


Capacity 

In   < 

scess                                                              In  deficiency 

10  gallons— 

10  fluid  ounces 

18    cubic  inches 

5 

fluid  ounces 

9    cubic  inches 

5  gallons— 

6  fluid  ounces 

11    cubic  inches 

3 

fluid  ounces 

5.4  cubic  inches 

4  gallons— 

4  fluid  ounces 

•  7    cubic  inches 

2 

fluid  ounces 

3.6  cubic  inches 

3  gallons— 

4  fluid  ounces 

7    cubic  inches 

2 

fluid  ounces 

3.6  cubic  inches 

2  gallons— 

2  fluid  ounces 

3.5  cubic  inches 

1 

fluid  ounce 

1.8  cubic  inches 

1  gallon  — 

1  fluid  ounce 

1.8  cubic  inches 

4 

drams 

.9  cubic  inch 

i  gallon  ... 

6  drams 

1.4  cubic  inches 

3 

drams 

.7  cubic  inch 

1  quart  

4  drams 

.9  cubic  inch 

2 

drams 

.5  cubic  inch 

1   pint  

3  drams 

.7  cubic  inch 

1.5  drams 

.3  cubic  inch 

J   pint  

2  drams 

.4  cubic  inch 

1 

dram 

.2  cubic  inch 

1  gill 

2  drams 

.4  cubic  inch 

1 

dram 

.2  cubic  inch 

*  Applies  to   Class   1   apparatus  only. 


TOLERANCES  AND  SPECIFICATIONS. 


MEASURING  PUMPS. 


SPECIFICATIONS. 

1.  When  a  measuring  pump  is  provided  with  adjustable  stops,  the 
construction  shall  be  such  that  each  stop  can  be  separately  sealed  in 
such  a  manner  that  its  position  cannot  be  changed  without  destroying 
the  seal. 

2.  AVhen  a  measuring  device  is  provided  with  a  graduated  or  notched 
scale  intended  to  indicate  the  amount  to  be  delivered,  this  scale  shall 
be  riveted  or  otherwise  permanently  fixed  in  position. 

3.  The  amounts  delivered  shall  not  vary  by  more  than  the  tolerance 
allowed,  irrespective  of  the  speed  with  which  the  pump  is  operated  and 
of  the  time  elapsing  between  operations. 

TOLERANCES. 

The  tolerances  to  be  allowed  in  excess  and  in  deficiency  shall  not  be 
greater  than  the  values  given  for  the  liquid  measure  of  corresponding 
capacity  and  kind,  in  the  preceding  tolerance  table  for  liquid  measures. 

MILK  BOTTLES. 


SPECIFICATIONS. 

1.  Bottles  used  for  the  sale  of  milk  or  cream  shall  be  made  only  in 
sizes  heretofore  specified  under  the  heading  "  Liquid  Capacity  Meas- 
ures." 

*2.  Each  bottle  shall  have  its  capacity  clearly  blown  or  otherwise 
clearly  and  permanently  marked  in  or  on  the  side  of  the  bottle,  and  in 
or  on  the  side  or  bottom  the  name,  initials  or  trade-mark  of  the  manu- 
facturer thereof. 

3.  Glass  bottles  with  an  inside  diameter  of  not  over  two  inches  imme- 
diately below  the  cap  seat  or  stopple  shall  hold  the  correct  capacity 
when  filled  within  |  inch  of  this  cap  seat  or  stopple;  bottles  with  an 
inside  diameter  of  over  this  amount  immediately  below  the  cap  seat  or 
stopple  shall  hold  the  correct  capacity  when  filled  to  within  ^  inch  of 
this  cap  seat  or  stopple.  Provided,  however,  that  when  bottles  are  used 
for  the  purpose  of  pasteurizing  milk  or  cream  in  the  bottle,  a  larger 
distance  shall  be  allowed  below  the  cap  seat  or  stopple  but  not  to  exceed 
that  given  in  the  table  below.  Such  bottles  shall  be  provided  with  a 
clearly  defined  line  blown  or  otherwise  clearly  and  permanently  marked 
in  or  on  the  bottle,  and  extending  at  least  one-half  way  around  it,  which 
indicates  the  correct  capacity.  The  words  ' '  For  milk  pasteurized  in  the 


'Applies  to   Class   1  apparatus  only. 


6 


WEIGHTS   AND   MEASURES. 


bottle  only"  or  a  similar  wording  shall  be  clearly  blown  or  otherwise 
clearly  and  permanently  marked  in  or  on  the  side  of  the  bottle;  and 
directly  over,  below  or  beside  the  line  mentioned  above,  the  words, 
"Fill  to  this  line."  Such  bottles  shall  be  used  only  when  the  milk  or 
cream  is  pasteurized  in  the  bottle. 

TOLERANCES. 

The  tolerances  to  be  allowed  in  excess  or  deficiency  on  individual 
bottles,  and  on  the  average  content  of  bottles,  shall  not  be  greater  than 
the  following  values.  The  error  on  the  average  content  of  bottles  shall 
be  determined  by  finding  the  error  on  each  of  not  less  than  25  bottles 
selected  at  random  from  at  least  four  times  the  number  tested,  and 
taking  the  average  of  these  errors. 


Tolerance  on  individual  bottle 


Tolerance  on  average  content 


j  gallon 

6  drams 

1.4  cubic  inches 

20  drams 

5  cubic  inch 

3  pints  

5  drams 

1.2  cubic  inches 

1.75  drams 

.43  cubic  inch 

1  quart  

4  drams 

.9  cubic  inch 

1.5  drams 

.34  cubic  inch 

1    pint  —    

3  drams 

.7  cubic  inch 

1.25  drams 

.29  cubic  inch 

i   pint  

2  drams 

.5  cubic  inch 

1  25  drams 

.29  cubic  inch 

1  gill 

2  drams 

5  cubic  inch 

1  25  drams 

29  cubic  inch 

BERRY  BASKETS  OR  BOXES. 


SPECIFICATIONS. 

1.  Baskets  or  boxes  for  berries  or  small  fruits,  of  a  capacity  of  one 
dry  quart  or  less,  shall  be  of  one  of  the  following  sizes :  One  quart,  one 
pint,  or  one-half  pint,  dry  measure. 

2.  Berry  boxes  shall  not  have  a  false  bottom.     That  is,  having  the 
bottoms  set  part  way  up  into  the  box. 

TOLERANCES. 

The  tolerances  to  be  allowed  in  excess  or  deficiency,  on  baskets  or 
boxes  for  berries  or  small  fruits,  constructed  of  wood,  shall  not  be 
greater  than  the  following  values : 


Dry  "measure 

Cubic  contents 

In  excess 

In  deficiency 

1  quart 

67.2  cubic  inches 

3  cubic  inches 

Is  cubic  inches 

1  pint 

33.6  cubic  inches 

2  cubic  inches 

1   cubic  inch 

4  pint 

16.8  cubic  inches 

1  cubic  inch 

J  cubic  inch 

TOLERANCES  AND  SPECIFICATIONS. 


The  tolerances  to  be  allowed  in  excess  or  deficiency,  on  baskets  or 
boxes  for  berries  or  small  fruits,  constructed  of  pasteboard  or  fibre, 
shall  not  be  greater  than  the  following  values: 


Capacity 

Tole 

•ance 

Dry  measure 

Cubic  contents 

In  excess 

In  deficiency 

1  quart 

67  2  cubic  inches 

2  cubic  inches 

1  cubic  inch 

1  pint  ..    _ 

33.6  cubic  inches 

1  cubic  inch 

i  cubic  inch 

\  pint 

16  8  cubic  inches 

J  cubic  inch 

J  cubic  inch 

Series  No.  13.  May  7,  1915. 

OPINION  ON  BERRY  AND  FRUIT  BASKETS. 
To  all  city  and  county  sealers  of  weights  and  measures: 

This  department  has  had  under  consideration  the  application  of  the 
"Net  Container  Act"  (Chap.  167,  Statutes  1913),  requiring  the  mark- 
ing of  the  quantity  of  contents  upon  food  in  package  form,  to  berries, 
in  small  open  containers,  and  when  packed  in  crates. 

It  is  the  opinion  of  this  department  that  berries,  peaches,  apricots, 
plums,  or  other  fruits,  or  tomatoes,  placed  in  small  open  boxes  or 
baskets,  which  are  arranged  in  layers  or  tiers  and  packed  in  crates, 
constitute  food  in  package  form,  within  the  meaning  of  the  "Net 
Container  Act"  and  that  consequently  the  law  requires  that  such 
baskets  or  boxes  and  crates  shall  be  marked  with  a  statement  of  the 
minimum  quantity  of  contents,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of 
the  "Net  Container  Act." 

This  opinion  shall  not  become  effective  and  in  force  until  January, 
1916 ;  provided,  however,  that  its  provisions  shall  not  conflict  with  the 
provisions  of  any  city  or  county  ordinance  now  in  force. 
Very  truly  yours, 

CHAS.  G.  JOHNSON, 
State  Superintendent  of  Weights  and  Measures. 


SCALES. 

GENERAL    SPECIFICATIONS. 

1.  The  nominal  or  rated  capacity  of  a  scale  is  the  largest  weight 
indication  which  can  be  obtained  by  the  use  of  all  its  reading  or  record- 
ing elements  in  combination. 

When  one  reading  or  recording  element  of  the  scale  is  designed  for 
auxiliary  use  only,  such  as  a  small  bar  and  poise  intended  for  use  in 
determining  weights  intermediate  between  two  graduations  on  the  prin- 
cipal bar  of  the  beam,  the  weight  value  of  this  reading  or  recording 
element  need  not  be  included  in  the  sum,  provided  that  it  does  not 
exceed  one  per  cent  of  the  sum  of  the  weight  values  of  the  remaining 


8  WEIGHTS  AND   MEASURES. 

reading  or  recording  elements.  (Thus,  a  platform  scale  with  the  prin- 
cipal bar  of  the  beam  graduated  to  100,000  pounds  by  1,000  pound 
subdivisions  and  with  an  auxiliary  bar  graduated  to  1,000  pounds  by 
20  pound  subdivisions,  may  be  considered  as  having  a  nominal  capacity 
of  100,000  pounds.) 

When  a  scale  is  designed  for  use  with  removable  weights  and  these 
are  furnished  with  the  scale,  the  amount  which  these  represent  when 
used  on  the  scale  shall  be  included  in  the  sum  of  the  weight  values  of 
the  reading  elements.  W)ien  the  scale  is  designed  for  use  with  remov- 
able weights,  but  these  are  not  furnished  with  the  scale,  the  amount 
which  those  represent  on  the  scale  that  are  usually  furnished  with  the 
scale  when  weights  are  included,  shall  be  included  in  the  sum  of  the 
weight  values  of  the  reading  elements. 

*2.  All  scales  not  equipped  with  a  beam  or  reading  face  graduated 
to  the  full  capacity  of  the  scale,  or  those  not  equipped  with  a  graduated 
beam  or  reading  face,  which,  taken  in  connection  with  another  gradu- 
ated beam  or  beams  or  with  a  graduated  runner,  indicates  the  capacity 
of  the  scale,  shall  have  the  nominal  capacity  conspicuously,  clearly, 
and  permanently  marked  upon  them. 

3.  All  scales  shall  be  of  such  construction  that  they  will  support  a 
load  of  maximum  capacity  without  undue  bending  or  straining  of  the 
parts. 

4.  All  knife-edges  shall  be  firmly  secured  to  the  levers. 

*5.  All  knife-edges  shall  be  of  hardened  and  tempered  steel.  They 
shall  be  sharp  and  bear  throughout  the  entire  length  of  the  parts 
designed  to  be  in  contact. 

*6.  All  bearings  shall  be  smooth  and  at  least  as  hard  as  the  knife- 
edges.  For  scales  of  more  than  5,000  pounds  capacity,  the  bearings 
shall  be  made  of  hardened  and  tempered  steel.  (The  term  "bearing" 
used  in  this  paragraph  refers  to  the  entire  surface  which  is  designed 
to  be  in  contact  with  the  edge  of  a  knife-edge  or  with  a  point  bearing.) 

*7.  Plates  or  caps  used  to  limit  the  longitudinal  motion  of  a  knife- 
edge  shall  be  smooth  and  be  made  of  a  material  at  least  as  hard  as  the 
knife-edge.  The  part  of  the  knife-edge  liable  to  come  in  contact  with 
these  plates  or  caps  shall  be  so  formed  that  the  friction  between  them 
is  reduced  to  a  minimum. 

*8.  If  a  scale  has  a  nose-iron,  the  position  of  this  at  the  time  of 
installation  of  the  scale  shall  be  clearly  and  accurately  indicated. 

9.  If  the  scale  has  interchangeable  or  reversible  parts,  these  shall 
be  so  constructed  that  their  change  or  reversal  shall  not  affect  the 
balance  or  the  accuracy  of  the  instrument. 

*10.  No  scale  shall  be  equipped  with  a  scoop  counter-balanced  by  a 
removable  poise  or  weight. 

*  Applies  to   Class   1   apparatus  only. 


TOLERANCES  AND  SPECIFICATIONS. 

11.  When  the  scale  is  equipped  with  a  permanently  attached  device 
intended   to   counter-balance   the   weight   of   a   removable  scoop,   this 
device  shall  clearly  indicate  on  the  customers'  side  of  the  scale,  whether 
the  scoop  should  be  on  or  off  the  scale. 

12.  The  graduations  on  all  beams  shall  consist  of  lines,  or  notches, 
or  of  a  combination  of  these.     All  lines  shall  be  uniform  in  spacing  and 
parallel  to  each  other.     All  notches  shall  be  evenly  cut  and  the  lines 
formed  by  the  intersection  of  the  sloping  planes  of  their  sides  must  be 
uniform  in  spacing  and  parallel  to  each  other. 

13.  Each  main  weight  graduation  on  a  beam  shall  be  so  marked  as 
to  indicate  the  weight  represented  by  the  poise  at  that  point. 

14.  Shoulders  or  stops  shall  be  provided  on  all  beams  to  prevent 
the  poise  traveling  and  remaining  back  of  the  zero  graduation. 

15.  The  adjusting  material  in  all  poises  shall  be  securely  enclosed 
and  firmly  fixed  in  position.     If  of  lead  or  other  material  softer  than 
brass,  it  shall  not  be  in  contact  with  the  beam. 

16.  Poises  shall  be  so  constructed  that  no  part  can  be  easily  detached, 
and  if  equipped  with  a  set  screw,  this  shall  not  be  removable. 

17.  Poises  on  notched  beams  shall  be  provided  with  a  pawl  or  other 
device,  so  constructed  as  to  cause  the  poises  to  be  seated  into  a  definite 
and  correct  position  in  each  notch,  wherever  in  the  notch  the  pawl  or 
other  device  is  placed,  and  to  be  held  there  firmly  and  without  appre- 
ciable movement. 

18.  The  bearing  edge  of  a  hanging  poise  shall  be  hard  and  shall  be 
so  formed  as  to  seat  in  a  definite  and  correct  position  in  each  notch  on 
the  beam. 

19.  Reading  edges  or  indicators  of  poises  shall  be  sharply  defined, 
and  all  reading  edges  shall  be  parallel  to  the  graduations  on  the  beam. 

*20.  Poises  shall  not  be  readily  detachable  from  the  beam. 

21.  When  scales  are  equipped  with  a  beam,  the  position  or  oscillation 
of  which  is  used  to  indicate  the  balance  of  the  scale,  the  normal  position 
of  this  beam  shall  be  horizontal  and  it  shall  have  equal  play  above  and 
below  the  normal  horizontal  position. 

22.  No  scale  shall  be  equipped  with  an  unstable  or  accelerating  beam. 
*23.  Scale  pans  in  which  fish  or  other  wet  commodities  are  placed 

when  weighed  shall  be  so  constructed  as  to  provide  for  drainage. 

24.  All  scales  shall  be  of  such  construction  that  they  are  reasonably 
permanent  in  their  adjustment  and  will  repeat  their  weight  indications 
correctly,  and  are  not  designed  to,  or  may  not  be  used  to  facilitate  the 
perpetration  of  fraud. 

25.  All  scales  shall  be  maintained  in  balance. 

A  scale  is  in  balance,  as  the  term  is  used  herein,  when  it  correctly 
gives  a  weight  indication  of  zero,  when  there  is  no  load  on  the  platform, 
plate,  pan,  or  scoop. 

•Applies  to   Class   1  apparatus  only. 
2—18465 


10  WEIGHTS  AND   MEASURES. 

A  lever  scale  of  the  non-automatic  type  not  having  an  indicator  and 
a  graduated  scale  or  arc,  is  in  balance  when  the  beam  comes  to  rest 
at,  or  oscillates  through  approximately  equal  arcs  above  and  below  the 
center  of  the  trig-loop  when  one  is  provided;  or  a  position  midway 
between  other  stops  when  these  are  provided;  or  a  horizontal  position 
when  no  trig-loop  or  other  stops  are  provided. 

A  scale  of  the  non-automatic  type  having  an  indicator  and  a  gradu- 
ated scale  or  arc,  is  in  balance  when  the  indicator  comes  to  rest  at,  or 
oscillates  through  approximately  equal  arcs  about,  a  definite  and  clear 
zero  graduation. 

A  scale  of  the  automatic  type,  that  is,  one  having  a  reading  face  or 
dial,  is  in  balance  when  the  indicator  comes  to  rest  at  a  definite  and 
clear  zero  graduation. 

SENSIBILITY    RECIPROCAL. 

The  term  "sensibility  reciprocal"  hereinafter  referred  to  is  defined 
as  the  weight  required  to  move  the  position  of  equilibrium  of  the  beam, 
pan,  pointer,  or  other  indicating  device  of  a  scale  a  definite  amount, 
the  effect  of  friction  in  causing  inconstancy  of  this  position  of  equilib- 
rium being  eliminated. 

In  scales  provided  with  a  beam  and  trig-loop,  the  sensibility  recip- 
rocal is  the  weight  required  to  be  placed  upon  the  platform  to  turn 
the  beam  from  a  horizontal  position  of  equilibrium  in  the  middle  of  the 
trig-loop  to  a  position  of  equilibrium  at  the  top  of  the  loop,  the  effect 
of  friction  being  eliminated  as  above.  The  sensibility  reciprocal  may 
be  determined  by  subtracting  the  weight  instead  of  adding  it,  thereby 
causing  the  beam  to  assume  a  position  of  equilibrium  at  the  bottom  of 
the  loop ;  or  indirectly,  by  moving  the  sliding  poise  on  the  beam  the 
required  amount  in  either  direction,  to  obtain  the  specified  change  in 
the  position  of  equilibrium  of  the  beam;  or  by  adding  or  subtracting 
small  weights  to  or  from  the  counterpoise  until  the  specified  change  is 
obtained,  and  determining  the  equivalent  of  the  small  weights  used,  in 
terms  of  weight  on  the  platform. 

In  the  case  of  scales  with  stabilized  pans  or  plates  such  as  equal-arm 
trip  scales  and  scales  with  a  single  pan  or  plate  above  the  beam,  and 
also  scales  with  a  pan  or  pans  hanging  from  the  beam,  which  are  not 
provided  with  a  pointer  moving  over  a  graduated  arc  or  scale,  the  sen- 
sibility reciprocal  is  the  amount  of  weight  required  on  the  pan  or 
plate  to  cause  it  to  move  from  its  position  of  equilibrium,  when  the 
scale  is  in  balance,  to  a  position  of  equilibrium,  at  the  limit  of  its 
motion. 

In  the  case  of  scales  provided  with  a  pointer,  and  a  graduated  scale 
or  arc,  over  which  the  pointer  vibrates  as  a  convenient  means  of  deter- 
mining the  position  of  equilibrium,  and  which  does  not,  of  itself, 


TOLERANCES  AND  SPECIFICATIONS.  11 

directly  indicate  in  terms  of  weight,  the  sensibility  reciprocal  is  the 
weight  required  to  cause  a  change  in  the  position  of  rest  of  the  pointer 
equal  to  one  division  en  the  graduated  scale  or  arc.  (Examples  of  these 
scales  are  the  usual  cream  test  or  butter-fat  test  scale  and  some  forms 
of  the  apothecaries'  prescription  scale.)  . 

The 'sensibility  reciprocal  does  not  apply  to  reading  faces  or  dials 
which  indicate  directly  in  terms  of  weight.  But  no  such  reading  face 
or  dial  which  is  purely  auxiliary  to  the  scale  mechanism,  such  as  one, 
for  instance,  which  may  or  may  not  be  employed  in  the  determination 
of  weight,  shall  be  construed  to  exempt  a  scale  from  the  "sensibility 
reciprocal"  requirement,  when  this  is  detached. 


PLATFORM  SCALES. 


SPECIFICATIONS. 

1.  The  foundations  of  all  built-in  scales  shall  be  firm  and  substantial. 

2.  Platform  scales  having  an  outside  frame  shall  be  equipped  with 
means  for  centering  and  checking.     These  shall  cause  the  platform 
bearings  to  return  to  their  normal  line  of  contact  on  the  knife-edges 
when  the  platform  is  displaced  to  the  full  extent  allowed  and  also  shall 
prevent  the  platform  bearings  from  such  a  displacement  that  the  center- 
ing will  not  take  place.     The  above  results  may  be  obtained  by  any 
proper  means  that  will  not  introduce  excessive  friction  and  will  not 
cause  binding,  when  the  parts  have  been  so  caused  to  return  to  their 
normal  weighing  positions. 

3.  Platform  scales  shall  be  so  constructed  that  there  is  sufficient 
clearance  between  the  platform  and  the  frame  to  allow  for  any  expan- 
sion due  to  weather  effects.     Sufficient  clearance  shall  also  be  provided 
to  prevent  the  live  parts  of  the  scale  from  binding  on  account  of  an 
ordinary  accumulation  of  dirt  or  other  ordinary  causes. 

*4.  A  wagon  scale  should  have  at  least  12  feet  of  straight  way  on 
either  side  of  the  scale  in  the  same  plane  as  the  platform. 

5.  Platforms  and  levers  shall  be  of  sufficiently  rigid  construction  that 
the  degree  of  deflection  under  the  maximum  load  will  not  endanger  the 
accuracy  of  the  scale. 

6.  If  a  scale  is  equipped  with  a  relieving  device,  this  shall  be  so  con- 
structed that,  when  the  beam  is  balanced  and  the  device  is  used  to 
relieve  it  and  engage  it  again,  one  or  more  times,  the  former  balance 
will  again  be  assumed  by  the  beam. 

NOTE. — The  effect  of  friction  on  a  scale  is  to  make  possible  a  variation  of  the 
load  on  the  pan,  plate  or  platform  without  any  corresponding  change  In  the  indica- 
tion. The  value  of  the  sensibility  reciprocal  which  is  determined  with  the  effect  of 
friction  present  will,  therefore,  be  in  error  by  a  variable  amount.  However,  in 
making  tests  this  error  must  be  neglected. 


'Applies  to   Class   1   apparatus  only. 


12  WEIGHTS  AND   MEASURES. 

*7.  When  corner  platform  loops  are  removable,  each  shall  be  so 
marked  or  shaped  as  to  identify  it  with  its  proper  corner. 

*8.  All  devices  for  adjusting  the  balance  of  a  counter  platform  scale 
shall  be  of  such  construction  that  they  are  operative  or  accessible  only 
by  the  use  of  some  tool  or  device  which  is  outside  of  and  entirely 
separate  from  the  movable  mechanism  of  the  scale  itself;  such  as  a 
screw  driver,  wrench,  etc.,  but  not  an  adjusting  pin. 

*9.  All  devices  for  adjusting  the  level  of  a  counter  platform  scale 
shall  be  of  such  construction  that  they  are  operative  or  accessible  only 
by  the  use  of  some  tool  or  device  which  is  outside  of  and  entirely 
separate  from  the  leveling  devices;  such  as  a  screw  driver,  wrench,  etc., 
but  not  an  adjusting  pin. 

10.  All  platform  scales,  except  track  scales,  shall  be  so  constructed 
that  when  a  load  consisting  of  test  weights,  representing  more  than  one- 
quarter  of  the  capacity  of  the  scale  and  not  exceeding  such  capacity,  is 
placed  so  that  its  center  of  gravity  lies  over  the  points  designated  by 
circles  in  Diagram  No.  1,  the  error  at  each  point  shall  not  exceed  the 
tolerance  allowed  in  the  following  table  for  the  load  employed.  If  a 
load  equal  to  or  less  than  one-quarter  of  the  capacity  is  used,  this  shall 
be  placed  so  that  its  center  of  gravity  lies  directly  over  the  platform 
bearings  designated  by  the  circles  in  Diagram  No.  2,  and  the  errors 
shall  not  exceed  those  indicated  above. 

*11.  Any  device  for  altering  the  sensibility  of  the  scale  shall  be  so 
limited  in  its  adjustment  that  the  beam  cannot  be  made  unstable  by  the 
manipulation  of  the  device. 

12.  The  minimum  travel  of  the  beam  in  the  trig-loop  shall  conform 
to  the  following  table : 

Minimum 

Leneth  of  beam  travel  of  beam 

in  trig-loop 

Under  12  inches  .4  inch 

Over  12  inches,  including  20  inches .5  inch 

Over  20  inches,  including  40  inches  .7  inch 

Over  40  inches  and  up .9  inch 

(The  "length  of  beam"  refers  to  the  distance  from  the  fulcrum  to  the  trig-loop.) 

13.  All  weighing  beams  shall  be  so  marked  and  graduated  and  all 
poises  on  these  beams  shall  be  so  constructed  that  the  weight  correspond- 
ing to  any  position  of  the  poise  can  be  read  directly  on  the  beam.     This 
condition  shall  be  fulfilled  whether  a  registering  or  stamping  device 
is  used  or  not. 


"Applies  to   Class   1   apparatus  only. 


TOLERANCES  AND  SPECIFICATIONS.  13 

SENSIBILITY    RECIPROCAL. 

The  maximum  sensibility  reciprocal  allowable  on  all  platform  scales, 
except  counter  platform  scales,  shall  not  exceed  the  value  of  two  of  the 
minimum  graduations  on  the  beam,  at  the  capacity  of  the  scale  or  at 
any  lesser  load.  Provided,  however,  that  the  manufacturers'  maximum 
sensibility  reciprocal  or  the  maximum  sensibility  reciprocal  on  all  new 
platform  scales,  except  counter  platform  scales,  shall  not  exceed  the 
value  of  one  of  the  minimum  graduations  on  the  beam  at  the  capacity 
or  at  any  lesser  load.  The  maximum  sensibility  reciprocals  for  counter 
platform  scales  are  given  hereafter  under  the  heading  "Counter  Bal- 
ances and  Scales  " 

(The  term  "sensibility  reciprocal"  means  the  weight  required  to  move 
the  position  of  equilibrium  of  the  beam,  pan,  pointer  or  other  indicating 
device  of  a  scale  a  definite  amount.  In  scales  provided  with  a  beam 
and  trig-loop  the  sensibility  reciprocal  is  the  weight  required  to  be 
placed  upon  the  platform  to  turn  the  beam  from  a  horizontal  position 
of  equilibrium  in  the  middle  of  the  trig-loop  to  a  position  of  equilibrium 
at  the  top  of  the  loop.  The  sensibility  reciprocal  may  be  determined 
by  subtracting  the  weight  instead  of  adding  it,  thereby  causing  the 
beam  to  assume  a  position  of  equilibrium  at  the  bottom  of  the  loop; 
or  indirectly,  by  moving  the  sliding  poise  on  the  beam  the  required 
amount  in  either  direction,  to  obtain  the  specified  change  in  the  position 
of  equilibrium  of  the  beam ;  or  by  adding  or  subtracting  small  weights 
to  or  from  the  counter-poise  until  the  specified  change  is  obtained,  and 
determining  the  equivalent  of  the  small  weights  used,  in  terms  of 
weight  on  the  platforms.) 

EXPLANATION  OF  FOLLOWING  TABLE. 

"Class  A"  scales  include  the  following:  scales  of  the  portable  plat- 
form type;  and  also  scales  of  the  dormant  type  which  are  installed 
inside  of  a  building  having  side  walls  and  roof,  which  protect  the  scale 
from  weather  effects  and  from  sudden  changes  of  temperature. 

"Class  B"  scales  include  the  following:  scales  of  the  railroad  track 
and  wagon  types;  and  also  scales  of  the  dormant  type  which  are  not 
installed  inside  of  a  building  having  side  walls  and  roof,  and  which 
are  exposed  to  weather  effects  and  sudden  changes  of  temperature. 

The  columns  with  the  heading  "Tolerance  on  Katio"  refer  to  the 
error  in  the  ratio  or  multiplying  power  of  scales  with  which  counter- 
poise weights  are  used. 


NOTE — The  latter  effect,  since  it  causes  the  condensation  of  moisture  on  the  scale 
parts,  often  has  as  serious  results  on  the  condition  of  the  scale,  as  have  weather 
effects. 


14  WEIGHTS  AND   MEASURES. 

The  columns  with  the  heading  "Tolerance  on  Beam"  refer  to  those 
parts  of  scales  not  requiring  the  use  of  removable  weights ;  for  example, 
a  beam. 

The  column  with  the  heading  "Load"  refers  to  the  amount  of  weight 
on  the  platform  of  the  scale. 

In  the  case  of  railroad  track  scales,  designed  and  used  for  weighing 
ordinary  freight  traffic,  when  the  test  load  consists  of  a  one  truck  test 
car,  the  largest  algebraic  mean  of  any  two  errors  found  for  different 
positions  of  the  test  truck,  shall  not  exceed  the  tolerance  corresponding 
to  the  test  load  used.  Provided,  however,  that  on  the  same  span  the 
positions  of  the  test  car  shall  be  restricted  to  the  opposite  ends  of  that 
span.  The  tolerance  given  in  the  table  is  not  to  be  applied  to  the 
error  found  for  a  single  position  of  the  test  load. 

The  largest  algebraic  mean  of  any  two  errors  may  be  defined  as  one- 
half  of  the  largest,  plus  (  +  )  or  minus  ( — ),  sum  that  can  be  obtained 
by  adding  any  two  errors,  such  as  two  plus  (-}-)  errors,  two  minus 
( — )  errors,  a  numerically  large  plus  (-)-)  error  and  a  numerically 
small  minus  (• — -)  error,  or  a  numerically  large  minus  ( — )  error  and 
a  numerically  small  plus  (-f-)  error. 

In  order  that  the  largest  algebraic  mean  of  any  two  errors,  which 
represents  the  maximum  error  of  freight  car  weighing,  may  not  differ 
appreciably  from  the  true  amount,  a  test  car  having  a  wheel  base  not 
exceeding  seven  feet  should  be  used. 

TOLERANCES. 

The  tolerances  to  be  allowed  in  excess  or  deficiency  on  all  platform 
scales,  except  counter  platform  scales,  shall  not  be  greater  than  the 
following  values.  Provided,  however,  that  the  manufacturers'  toler- 
ances or  the  tolerances  on  all  new  platform  scales,  except  counter  plat- 
form scales,  shall  not  be  greater  than  one-half  of  the  values  given ;  and 
provided,  further,  that  these  tolerances  on  all  these  platform  scales, 
shall  in  no  ease  be  less  than  the  value  of  one  of  the  minimum  gradua- 
tions on  the  beam  except  that  the  manufacturers'  tolerances  or  the 
tolerances  on  new  apparatus  shall  in  no  case  be  less  than  the  value  of 
one-half  of  one  of  the  minimum  graduations  on  the  beam.  The  toler- 
ances for  counter  platform  scales  are  given  hereafter  under  the  head- 
ing "Counter  Balances  and  Scales." 


TOLERANCES  AND  SPECIFICATIONS. 


15 


Load 

Inside  scales  —  Tolerance 

Outside  scales  —  Tolerance 

On  multiplication 
ratio 

On  beam 

On  multiplication 
ratio 

On  beam 

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16  WEIGHTS   AND   MEASURES. 

COUNTER  BALANCES  AND  SCALES. 


SPECIFICATIONS. 

1.  Bearings  shall  be  so  shaped  that  when  the  beam  is  displaced  in 
any  manner,  the  knife-edges  will  return  to  their  proper  line  of  contact. 
(The  term  "bearing"  as  used  in  this  specification  is  denned  as  that 
part  of  the  scale  designed  to  be  in  contact  with  the  edge  of  the  knife- 
edge.) 

2.  All  loose  material  used  for  adjusting  the  balance  of  a  scale  shall 
be  securely  enclosed. 

3.  All  devices  for  adjusting  the  balance  of  a  counter  scale  shall  be  of 
such  construction  that  they  are  operative  or  accessible  only  by  the  use 
of  some  tool  or  device  which  is  outside  of  and  entirely  separate  from 
the  movable  mechanism  of  the  scale  itself,  such  as  a  screw  driver, 
wrench,  etc.,  but  not  an  adjusting  pin. 

4.  All  devices  for  adjusting  the  level  of  a  counter  scale  shall  be  of 
such  construction  that  they  are  operative  or  accessible  only  by  the  use 
of  some  tool  or  device  which  is  outside  of  and  entirely  separate  from 
the  leveling  devices;  such  as  a  screw  driver,  wrench,  etc.,  but  not  an 
adjusting  pin. 

*5.  Counter  scales  whose  weight  indications  are  changed  by  an 
amount  greater  than  one-half  the  tolerance  allowed,  when  set  in  any 
position  on  a  surface  making  an  angle  of  3  degrees  or  approximately 
5  per  cent  with  the  horizontal,  shall  be  equipped  with  a  device  which 
will  indicate  when  the  scale  is  level,  and  in  no  case  shall  any  pendulum 
operating  the  scale  be  considered  a  leveling  device.  The  scale  shall  be 
rebalanced  at  zero  each  time  its  position  is  altered  during  this  test. 

*6.  In  the  case  of  equal  arm  scales,  either  with  stabilized  pans  or 
plates,  that  is,  those  above  the  beam,  or  with  suspended  pans  or  plates, 
the  minimum  fall  or  drop  of  the  pans  or  plates  from  their  highest  point 
shall  be  as  follows: 


4  pounds  and  below  .35  inch 

From  4  pounds  including  12  pounds .5    inch 

From  12  pounds  including  26  pounds .75  inch 

Over  26  pounds . 1.0    inch 


7.  In  the  case  of  counter  scales  having  unequal  arms  or  a  compound 
lever  system  and  having  a  graduated  beam  which  is  not  provided  at  or 
near  its  end  with  a  trig-loop  or  graduated  scale  or  arc  or  other  suitable 
reference  interval  or  point  for  establishing  the  proper  position  of 


» Applies  to   Class   1   apparatus  only. 


TOLERANCES  AND  SPECIFICATIONS.  17 

balance  of  the  beam,  the  beam  shall  have  a  minimum  total  angular 
play  of  8  per  cent  or  approximately  5  degrees.  In  the  ease  of  such 
scales  which  are  provided  with  a  trig-loop  or  graduated  scale  or  arc  or 
other  suitable  reference  interval  or  point,  the  minimum  total  movement 
of  the  beam  at  such  point  shall  be  0.4  inch  if  the  beam  is  12  inches  or 
less  in  length  and  0.5  inch  if  the  beam  is  over  12  inches  in  length. 
(The  angular  motion  of  the  beam  in  terms  of  per  cent  may  be  obtained 
by  dividing  the  total  fall  or  drop  of  the  beam  at  its  end  by  the  distance 
from  the  fulcrum  to  the  end  of  the  beam,  and  multiplying  this  quotient 
by  100.) 

*8.  Scales  of  such  construction  that  any  weight  or  weights  which  are 
not  visible  can  be  added  so  as  to  affect  the  indications  of  the  scale,  shall 
be  equipped  with  a  device  which  will  plainly  indicate  on  the  customers' 
side  of  the  scale  when  the  weight  or  weights  have  been  added  and  the 
value  which  it  or  they  represent  on  the  scale. 

9.  On  scales  of  the  equal-arm  type  with  stabilized  pans,  that  is,  pans 
above  the  beam,  the  under  connections  and  a  line  connecting  the  outer 
knife-edges  in  the  beam,  shall  form  a  parallelogram.     These  under  con- 
nections shall  be  straight  and  work  freely. 

10.  All  scales  shall  be  so  constructed  that  when  a  weight  whose  body 
has  approximately  equal  diameter  and  height  and  which  represents 
one-half  of  the  capacity  of  the  scale,  is  shifted  in  any  direction  on  the 
weight  plate  or  on  the  commodity  plate,  pan  or  scoop,  to  a  point  one- 
half  the  distance  between  the  center  and  edge  of  the  weight  plate  or 
the  commodity  plate,  pan  or  scoop,  the  additional  resulting  error  in 
the  weight  indication,  due  to  this  cause  alone,  shall  not  exceed  the 
tolerance  allowed  on  a  part  of  a  scale  requiring  the  employment  of 
removable  weights,  at  the  load  in  question;  provided,  however,  that  in 
this  test,  the  edge  of  the  weight  shall  not  be  made  to  project  over  the 
edge  of  the  weight  plate  or  the  commodity  plate,  pan  or  scoop. 

11.  In  the  case  of  counter  scales  equipped  with  an  indicator  and  a 
reading  face  or  dial,  such  parts  shall  conform  to  all  the  specifications 
applicable  to  them,  given  under  the  heading  "Spring  Scales,"  except 
that  the  graduations  are  not  required  to  be  equally  spaced. 

12.  All  counter  scales  shall  be  in  level. 

SENSIBILITY    RECIPROCAL. 

The  maximum  sensibility  reciprocal  allowable  for  counter  scales  shall 
not  exceed  the  values  given  in  the  table  below,  with  the  exception,  that 
when  the  maximum  sensibility  reciprocal  herein  given  is  a  larger  value 
than  that  represented  by  two  of  the  minimum  graduations  on  any  beam 
with  which  the  scale  may  be  equipped,  the  latter  value  shall  be  applied 
and  used  as  the  maximum  sensibility  reciprocal.  Provided,  however, 


> Applies  to   Class   1   apparatus  only. 


18 


WEIGHTS   AND   MEASURES. 


that  the  manufacturers'  maximum  sensibility  reciprocals  or  the  maxi- 
mum sensibility  reciprocals  on  all  new  counter  scales  shall  be  one-half 
of  the  values  given  in  the  table  unless  this  value  is  greater  than  one  of 
the  minimum  graduations  on  the  beam,  in  which  case  this  latter  value 
shall  be  used. 

(The  term  "sensibility  reciprocal"  means  the  weight  required  to  move 
the  position  of  equilibrium  of  the  beam,  pan,  pointer  or  other  indicating 
device  of  a  scale  a  definite  amount.  In  the  case  of  scales  with  stabilized 
pans  or  plates,  such  an  equal-arm  trip  scale  and  scales  with  a  single 
pan  or  plate  above  the  beam,  and  also  scales  with  a  pan  or  pans  hanging 
from  the  beam  which  are  not  provided  with  a  pointer  moving  over  a 
graduated  arc  or  scale,  the  sensibility  reciprocal  is  the  amount  of  weight 
required  on  the  pan  or  plate  to  cause  it  to  move  from  its  position  of 
equilibrium,  when  the  scale  is  in  balance,  to  a  position  of  equilibrium 
at  the  limit  of  its  motion.) 


Sensibility  reciprocals 

Sensibility  recip 

rocals 

Capacity 

Sensibility 
reciprocals 

Capacity 

Sensibility 
reciprocals 

1  pound                              i 

ounce 

40  pounds 

1J  ounces 

2  pounds                              J 

50  pounds 

1£  ounces 

4  pounds     _  _ 

ounce 

60  pounds  

li  ounces 

5  pounds 

ounce 

75  pounds 

2    ounces 

6  pounds 

ounce 

90  pounds 

2i  ounces 

8  pounds  

ounce 

100  pounds  

3    ounces 

10  pounds   

ounce 

150  pounds  

4J  ounces 

12  pounds  

ounce 

200  pounds 

6    ounces 

15  pounds 

ounce 

240  pounds 

7J  ounces 

20  pounds                              | 

ounce 

250  pounds 

7i  (8)  ounces 

24  pounds  1 

ounce 

300  pounds  

9    ounces 

25  pounds  1 

ounce 

350  pounds  

10J  ounces 

30  pounds     _                       1 

ounce 

400  pounds 

12    ounces 

TOLERANCES. 

Except  on  the  special  tests  described  above,  the  tolerances  to  be 
allowed  in  excess  or  deficiency  on  counter  scales  shall  not  be  greater 
than  the  following  values.  Provided,  however,  that  the  manufacturers' 
tolerances  or  the  tolerances  to  be  allowed  on  new  counter  scales,  shall 
not  be  greater  than  one-half  of  the  values  given ;  and  provided,  further, 
that  the  tolerances  on  counter  scales  shall  in  no  case  be  less  than  one- 
fourth  of  the  sensibility  reciprocal  of  the  scale;  and  when  the  scale 
has  a  reading  face  or  dial,  the  tolerance  shall  in  no  case  be  less  than 
one-fourth  of  the  minimum  graduation  on  the  reading  face  or  dial, 
except  that  on  new  scales  they  shall  in  no  case  be  less  than  one-eighth 
of  such  minimum  graduation. 


TOLERANCES  AND  SPECIFICATIONS. 


19 


Load 

Tolerance 

Tolerance  on  parts     ;         Tolerance  on  beam 
requiring  emcloyment                   or  reading 
of  weights                                face 

1  pound         _  _  _  _  _ 

1/16  ounce 
1/16  ounce 
1/8    ounce 
1/8    ounce 
1/8    ounce 
1/4    ounce 
1/4    ounce 
1/4    ounce 
5/16  ounce 
5/16  ounce 
5/16  ounce 
3/8    ounce 
3/8    ounce 
3/8    ounce 
7/16  ounce 
1/2    ounce 
5/8    ounce 
3/4    ounce 
7/8    ounce 
1          ounce 
1  1/2    ounces 
2          ounces 
2  1/2    ounces 
2  1/2    ounces 
3          ounces 
3  1/2    ounces 
.  4          ounces 

1/16  ounce 
1/8    ounce 
3/16  ounce 
3/16  ounce 
3/16  ounce 
3/8    ounce 
3/8    ounce 
3/8    ounce 
1/2    ounce 
1/2    ounce 
1/2    ounce 
1/2    ounce 
1/2    ounce 
5/8    ounce 
5/8    ounce 
3/4    ounce 
1          ounce 
1          ounce 
1  1/4    ounces 
1  1/2    ounces 
2          ounces 
3          ounces 
4          ounces 
4          ounces 
4  1/2    ounces 
5          ounces 
6          ounces 

2  pounds 

4  pounds 

5  pounds  i 

6  pounds  

8  pounds    _  _    _  

10  pounds 

12  pounds 

15  pounds 

15  pounds  

20  pounds    _  

24  pounds            

25  pounds                      

30  pounds 

40  pounds 

50  pounds  

60  pounds    _  _  -      

75  pounds                      

90  pounds 

100  pounds  

200  pounds 

240  pounds                                   

250  pounds 

300  pounds  

350  pounds    

400  pounds 

SPRING  BALANCES. 


SPECIFICATIONS. 

1.  Graduated  faces  shall  be  permanently  fixed  in  position. 

2.  All  graduations  shall  be  clear  and  distinct  and  equally  spaced. 
*3.  The  clear  interval  between  the  graduations  shall  not  be  less  than 

.04  inch. 

4.  The  maximum  value  of  the  graduations  on  spring  balances  used  in 
the  sale  of  foodstuffs  at  retail  shall  be  1  ounce;  provided,  however, 
that  this  shall  not  apply  to  scales  used  exclusively  in  the  sale  of  vege- 
tables. 

5.  The  scale  shall  have  a  definite  and  clear  zero  graduation  and  there 
shall  be  no  stop  to  prevent  the  indicator  from  going  beyond  the  zero 
graduation.     These  conditions  shall  be  fulfilled  whether  the  entire  face 
is  graduated  or  the  graduations  commence  at  a  fixed  load. 

6.  The  indicator  shall  be  firmly  attached  and  reach  to  the  graduated 
divisions. 

*7.  That  part  of  the  indicator  which  reaches  to  the  smallest  sub- 
divisions shall  not  exceed  the  width  of  these  subdivisions. 

•Applies  to  Class  1  apparatus  only. 


20  WEIGHTS   AND   MEASURES. 

8.  The  distance  between  the  indicator  and  the  reading  face  shall  not 
exceed  .12  inch. 

*9.  All  devices  for  adjusting  the  balance  of  a  spring  scale  shall  be  of 
such  construction  that  they  are  operative  or  accessible  only  by  the  use 
of  some  tool  or  device  which  is  outside  of  and  entirely  separate  from  the 
movable  mechanism  of  the  scale  itself;  such  as  a  screw  driver,  wrench, 
etc.,  but  not  an  adjusting  pin. 

*10.  All  devices  for  adjusting  the  level  of  a  spring  scale  shall  be  of 
such  construction  that  they  are  operative  or  accessible  only  by  the  use 
of  some  tool  or  device  which  is  outside  of  and  entirely  separate  from  the 
leveling  devices ;  such  as  a  screw  driver,  wrench,  etc.,  but  not  an  adjust- 
ing pin. 

11.  No  device  to  alter  the  working  or  effective  length  of  the  spring 
shall  be  placed  on  the  outside  of  the  scale. 

12.  Spring  balances  of  the  hanging  type  shall  be  freely  suspended 
from  the  ring  when  in  use. 

13.  If  scales  are  provided  with  a  hanging  pan,  this  shall  be  suspended 
from  a  ring  and  no  hook  will  be  allowed.     A  hook  may  be  used  only 
on  those  scales  for  which  no  pan  is  provided. 

14.  All  scales  shall  be  so  constructed  that  when  a  weight  whose  body 
has  approximately  equal  diameter  and  height  and  which  represents 
one-half  of  the  capacity  of  the  scale,  is  shifted  in  any  direction  on  the 
commodity  plate,  pan  or  scoop,  to  a  point  one-half  the  distance  between 
the  center  and  the  edge  of  the  plate,  pan  or  scoop,  the  additional  result- 
ing error  in  the  weight  indication,  due  to  this  cause  alone,  shall  not 
exceed  the  tolerance  allowed  at  the  load  in  question,   given  in  the 
column  headed  "Added  tolerance  for  shift  test  at  half  capacity;"  pro- 
vided, however,  that  in  this  test  the  edge  of  the  weight  shall  not  be 
made  to  project  over  the  edge  of  the  commodity  plate,  pan  or  scoop. 

*15.  Spring  scales  whose  weight  indications  are  changed  by  an 
amount  greater  than  one-half  the  tolerance  allowed,  when  set  in  any 
position  on  a  surface  making  an  angle  of  3  degrees  or  approximately 
5  per  cent  with  the  horizontal,  shall  be  equipped  with  a  device  which 
will  indicate  when  the  scale  is  level.  The  scale  shall  be  rebalanced  at 
zero  each  time  its' position  is  altered  during  this  test. 

*16.  Spring  balances  of  such  construction  that  a  weight  or  weights 
which  are  not  visible  can  be  added  so  as  to  affect  the  indications  of  the 
scale,  shall  be  equipped  with  a  device  which  will  clearly  indicate  on  the 
customer's  side  of  the  scale,  when  the  weight  or  weights  have  been 
added,  and  the  value  which  it  or  they  represent  on  the  scale. 

17.  Spring  balances  shall  give  correct  weight  indications  whether  the 
load  on  the  plate,  pan  or  scoop  is  being  increased  or  decreased. 


*  Applies  to   Class   1   apparatus  only. 


TOLERANCES  AND  SPECIFICATIONS. 


21 


18.  The  specifications  for  each  part  of  combination  spring  and  lever 
scales  shall  be  the  same  as  those  for  the  type  of  scale  to  which  such 
part  belongs. 

19.  All  spring  scales  shall  be  in  level. 

TOLERANCES. 

Except  on  the  special  tests  described  above,  the  tolerances  to  be 
allowed  in  excess  or  deficiency  on  all  spring  scales  equipped  with  a 
device  intended  to  compensate  for  changes  in  the  elasticity  of  the 
springs  due  to  temperature  effects,  shall  not  be  greater  than  the  values 
given  in  the  tolerance  table  under  the  heading  "Counter  Balances  and 
Scales." 

Except  on  the  special  tests  described  above,  the  tolerances  to  be 
allowed  in  excess  or  deficiency  on  all  spring  scales  not  equipped  with 
a  device  intended  to  compensate  for  changes  in  the  elasticity  of  the 
springs  due  to  temperature  effects,  shall  not  be  greater  than  the  fol- 
lowing values;  provided,  however,  that  the  manufacturers'  tolerances 
or  the  tolerances  to  be  allowed  on  all  new  spring  scales  described  herein, 
shall  not  be  greater  than  one-half  of  the  values  given. 

However,  the  tolerances  on  all  spring  scales  described  in  the  two 
preceding  paragraphs,  shall  in  no  case  be  less  than  one-fourth  of  the 
minimum  graduation  on  the  reading  face  or  dial,  except  that  on  new 
spring  scales  they  shall  in  no  ease  be  less  than  one-eighth  of  such  mini- 
mum graduation. 


Graduation 

Tolerance 

Added  toleranae 
for  shift  test 
at  half  capacity 

1 

pound  

1/8  ounce 

1/16  ounce 

? 

pounds  ! 

1/4  ounce 

1/16  ounce 

?, 

pounds    _  

1/4  ounce 

1/16  ounce 

4 

pounds                                                                        : 

1/2  ounce 

1/8  ounce 

5 

puonds 

1/2  ounce 

1/8  ounce 

6 

pounds  

1/2  ounce 

1/8  ounce 

7 

pounds  

1/2  ounce 

1/4  ounce 

8 

pounds                                                                   

3/4  ounce 

1/4  ounce 

10 

pounds 

3/4  ounce 

1/4   ounce 

12 

pounds                                                                          1 

ounce 

1/4   ounce 

1" 

pounds                                                                          1 

ounce 

5/16  ounce 

90 

pounds  1 

1/2  ounces 

5/16  ounce 

^4 

pounds               _               .  _       1 

1/2  ounces 

3/8  ounce 

^ 

pounds                                                 _      1 

1/2  ounces 

3/8  ounce 

BO 

pounds                                                                   2 

ounces 

3/8  ounce 

40 

pounds                                                                      -  2 

ounces 

7/16  ounce 

50 

pounds                                                                          3 

ounces 

1/2  ounce 

fiO 

ounces 

5/8   ounce 

75 

ounces 

3/4  ounce 

BO 

pounds                                                  4 

ounces 

7/8  ounce 

vo 

pounds                                                 -    5 

ounces 

1  1/4   ounces 

1  r)0 

pounds                                                                6 

ounces 

1  1/2  ounces 

•w 

pounds                                                                     -  8 

ounces 

2         ounces 

•w 

ounces 

3         ounces 

If  Ml 

pound 

"00 

1/4  pounds 

fiflO 

1/2  pounds 

22 


WEIGHTS   AND   MEASURES. 

STRAIGHT-FACE  SPRING  BALANCES. 


SPECIFICATIONS. 

1.  The  support  for  the  spring  shall  be  of  sufficient  strength  and 
rigidity  to  sustain  the  capacity  load  of  the  scale  without  perceptible 
strain,  and  such  support  shall  be  permanently  fixed  to  the  frame  of  the 
scale. 

2.  The  graduated  face  shall  be  firmly  riveted  to  the  frame  at  not  less 
than  three  points. 

3.  The   indicator  shall  be   pointed  in   order  to   facilitate  accurate 
readings,  and  it  shall  not  obscure  the  figures  showing  the  value  of  the 
graduations. 

*4.  The   value   and   spacing  of  the   graduations  "shall  satisfy  the 
requirements  of  the  following  table: 


Capacity 

Maximum 

ralue    of 
Interval 

Minimum 
distance 
between 
graduations 

25  pounds     _____      _         __      __      

}  pound 

.03  inch 

50  pounds 

1    pound 

.03  inch 

100  pounds 

1    pound 

.03  inch 

200  pounds  

2    pounds 

.03  inch 

300  pounds  

5    pounds 

.04  inch 

400  pounds     _  _ 

5    pounds 

.04  inch 

500  pounds 

5    pounds 

.04  inch 

TOLERANCES. 

The  tolerances  to  be  allowed  in  excess  or  deficiency  on  all  straight- 
face  spring  balances  shall  not  be  greater  than  four  times  the  values 
given  under  the  heading  "Spring  Balances — Tolerances." 


COMPUTING  SCALES. 


SPECIFICATIONS. 

1.  Computing  scales  shall  be  correct  in  both  their  weight  and  value 
indications. 

2.  Computing  scale  charts  shall  not  repeat  the  same  values  in  any 
given  column  or  row.     This  applies  also  to  charts  on  which  the  value 
graduations  are  correctly  placed,  but  which  in  addition  have  a  duplica- 
tion of  value  figures  in  any  given  column  or  row. 

*3.  The  value  graduations  on  all  computing  charts  shall  not  exceed 
one  cent  on  all  prices  per  pound  up  to  and  including  30  cents.  At  any 
higher  price  per  pound  the  value  graduations  shall  not  exceed  two  cents ; 


'Applies  to   Class   1  apparatus  only. 


TOLERANCES  AND  SPECIFICATIONS.  23 

provided,  however,  that  nothing  in  the  above  shall  be  construed  to 
prevent  the  placing  of  a  special  value  graduation  to  represent  each 
five  cent  interval.  These  special  graduations  may  take  the  form  of 
dots,  staggered  graduations  or  similar  forms;  they  shall  be  so  placed 
that  their  meaning  and  value  may  be  clearly  understood,  but  they 
shall  not  be  placed  in  the  space  between  the  regular  graduations. 

*4.  All  computing  scales  equipped  with  a  drum-shaped  chart  shall  be 
so  constructed  that  the  opening  on  the  dealer's  side  discloses  at  least 
two  value  graduations  at  the  lowest  price  per  pound.  These  scales  shall 
be  so  constructed  that  the  opening  on  the  customer's  side  discloses  the 
smallest  graduations  and  a  figure  representing  the  proper  number  of 
main  weight  units  when  any  load  is  placed  on  the  pan  or  platform. 

*5.  All  computing  scales  shall  be  equipped  with  weight  indicators 
on  both  the  dealer's  and  customer's  sides  and  their  width  shall  not 
exceed  .015  inch.  The  distance  between  the  chart  and  the  weight  indi- 
cators shall  in  no  case  exceed  .06  inch.  Both  indicators  shall  reach  to 
the  graduated  divisions  and  shall  indicate  clearly  and  correctly. 

*6.  All  computing  scales  shall  be  equipped  with  a  value  indicator  on 
the  dealer's  side  and  its  width  shall  not  exceed  .015  inch.  The  distance 
between  the  chart  and  the  value  indicator  shall  in  no  case  exceed  .06 
inch.  This  indicator  shall  reach  to  each  value  graduation  and  shall 
indicate  clearly  and  correctly. 

*7.  The  weight  graduations  and  the  value  graduations  shall  be  clear 
and  distinct  but  in  no  case  shall  their  width  be  less  than  .008  inch. 

8.  The  maximum  value   of  the   weight   graduations  on  computing 
scales  used  in  the  sale  of  foodstuffs  at  retail  shall  be  1  ounce. 

9.  The  clear  interval  between  the  weight  graduation  marks  on  all 
computing  scales  shall  not  be  less  than  .04  inch.     The  clear  interval 
between  the  value  graduation  marks  on  all  computing  scales  shall  not 
be  less  than  .02  inch;  provided,  however,  that  the  latter  requirement 
shall  not  be  construed  to  apply  to  the  special  value  graduation  denoting 
the  five-cent  interval,  mentioned  heretofore. 

*10.  All  devices  for  adjusting  the  balance  of  a  computing  scale  shall 
be  of  such  construction  that  they  are  operative  or  accessible  only  by  the 
use  of  some  tool  or  device  which  is  outside  of  and  entirely  separate 
from  the  movable  mechanism  of  the  scale  itself ;  such  as  a  screw  driver, 
wrench,  etc.,  but  not  an  adjusting  pin. 

*11.  All  devices  for  adjusting  the  level  of  a  computing  scale  shall  be 
of  such  construction  that  they  are  operative  or  accessible  only  by  the 
use  of  some  tool  or  device  which  is  outside  of  and  entirely  separate 
from  the  leveling  devices;  such  as  a  screw  driver,  wrench,  etc.,  but  not 
an  adjusting  pin. 

•Applies  to   Class   1   apparatus  only. 


24  WEIGHTS  AND   MEASURES. 

*12.  Computing  scales  whose  weight  indications  are  changed  by  an 
amount  greater  than  one-half  the  tolerance  allowed,  when  set  in  any 
position  on  a  surface  making  an  angle  of  3  degrees  or  approximately 
5  per  cent  with  the  horizontal,  shall  be  equipped  with  a  device  which 
will  indicate  when  the  scale  is  level,  and  in  no  case  shall  any  pendulum 
operating  the  scale  be  considered  a  leveling  device.  The  scale  shall  be 
rebalanced  at  zero  each  time  its  position  is  altered  during  this  test. 

13.  Computing  scales  shall  give  correct  results  whether  the  load  is 
being  increased  or  decreased. 

*14.  All  devices  intended  to  increase  the  capacity  of  computing 
scales  by  the  addition  of  an  added  weight  or  weights  shall  operate 
properly  irrespective  of  the  speed  with  which  they  are  manipulated. 

All  computing  scales  shall  be  in  level. 

The  specifications  on  a  computing  scale  and  on  all  parts  of  a  com- 
puting scale,  when  not  modified  by  the  above,  shall  be  the  same  as  those 
of  the  type  to  which  the  scale  under  test  belongs. 

17.  "When  the  scale  is  of  such  a  type  that  the  definition  of  sensibility 
reciprocal  is  applicable,  the  maximum  allowable  sensibility  reciprocal 
shall  be  the  same  value  as  is  required  of  a  non-computing  scale  of  the 
appropriate  type. 

TOLERANCES. 

Except  on  the  special  tests  described  above,  the  tolerances  to  be 
allowed  in  excess  or  deficiency  on  all  spring  computing  scales  equipped 
with  a  device  intended  to  compensate  for  changes  in  the  elasticity  of  the 
springs  due  to  temperature  effects,  and  also  all  those  not  operated  by 
springs,  shall  not  be  greater  than  the  values  given  in  the  tolerance  table 
under  the  heading  "Counter  Balances  and  Scales." 

Except  on  the  special  tests  described  above,  the  tolerances  to  be 
allowed  in  excess  or  deficiency  on  all  spring  computing  scales  not 
equipped  with  a  device  intended  to  compensate  for  changes  in  the 
elasticity  of  the  springs  due  to  temperature  effects,  shall  not  be  greater 
than  the  values  given  in  the  tolerance  table  under  the  heading  "Spring 
Balances." 

However,  the  tolerances  on  all  computing  scales  equipped  with  a 
reading  face  or  dial,  shall  in  no  case  be  less  than  one-fourth  of  the 
minimum  graduation  on  the  reading  face  or  dial,  except  that  on  new 
computing  scales  they  shall  in  no  case  be  less  than  one-eighth  of  such 
minimum  graduation. 


'Applies  to  Class  1  apparatus  only. 


TOLERANCES  AND  SPECIFICATIONS.  25 

CREAM  TEST  AND  BUTTER-FAT  SCALES. 


SPECIFICATIONS. 

*1.  All  scales  shall  be  provided  with  a  graduated  scale  or  arc  divided 
into  at  least  ten  equal  spaces,  over  which  the  indicator  shall  play. 

*2.  The  clear  interval  between  the  graduations  on  the  graduated 
scale  or  are  shall  not  be  less  than  .05  inch. 

3.  The  indicator  shall  be  of  such  length  as  to  reach  to  the  graduated 
divisions  and  shall  terminate  in  a  fine  point  to  enable  the  readings  to 
be  made  with  precision. 

*4.  All  scales  whose  weight  indications  are  changed  by  an  amount 
greater  than  one-half  the  tolerance  allowed,  when  set  in  any  position 
on  a  surface  making  an  angle  of  3  degrees  or  approximately  5  per  cent 
with  the  horizontal,  shall  be  equipped  with  leveling  screws  and  with  a 
device  which  will  indicate  when  the  scale  is  level.  The  scale  shall  be 
rebalanced  at  zero  each  time  its  position  is  altered  during  this  test. 

5.  All  scales  shall  be  so  constructed  and  adjusted  that  when  the  pans 
are  released  or  disturbed  the  pointer  will  return  to  its  original  position 
of  equilibrium. 

SENSIBILITY    RECIPROCAL. 

The  sensibility  reciprocal  of  these  scales  shall  be  one-half  grain 
(30  mg.  approximately). 

The  term  "sensibility  reciprocal"  means  the  weight  required  to  move 
the  position  of  equilibrium  of  the  beam,  pan,  pointer  or  other  indicating 
device  of  the  scale  a  definite  amount.  In  scales  provided  with  a  pointer, 
and  a  graduated  scale  or  arc,  such  as  the  above,  the  sensibility  reciprocal 
is  the  weight  required  to  cause  a  change  in  the  position  of  rest  of  the 
pointer  equal  to  one  division  on  the  graduated  scale  or  arc. 

TOLERANCES. 

The  tolerance  to  be  allowed  in  excess  or  deficiency  on  all  cream  test 
and  butter-fat  test  scales,  shall  not  be  greater  than  one-half  grain 
(30  mg.  approximately),  when  the  scale  is  loaded  to  capacity. 

WEIGHTS. 


SPECIFICATIONS. 

1.  Weights  shall  be  made  of  steel,  iron,  brass  or  any  other  metal  or 
alloy  of  metals  not  softer  than  brass;  provided,  however,  that  weights 
below  I  ounce  »hall  not  be  made  of  iron  or  steel,  but  may  be  made  of 
aluminum. 


•Applies  to  Class  1  apparatus  only. 


26 


WEIGHTS  AND   MEASURES. 


2.  Weights  shall  have  smooth  surfaces  and  no  sharp  points  or  corners. 

3.  Weights  shall  not  be  covered  with  a  soft  or  thick  coat  of  paint  or 
varnish. 

4.  All  holes  in  which  foreign  material  is  to  be  placed  for  adjusting 
purposes  must  be  of  such  form  that  this  material  will  be  permanently 
and  securely  held  in  place.     In  no  case  shall  this  adjusting  material 
project  beyond  the  surface  of  the  weight. 

5.  Rings  on  weights  shall  not  be  split  or  removable. 

*6.  All  weights  shall  be  clearly  marked  with  their  nominal  value  and 
in  addition  weights  intended  for  use  on  multiplying-lever  scales  shall 
be  clearly  marked  with  the  value  they  represent  when  used  upon  the 
scale  for  which  they  are  intended. 

TOLERANCES. 

The  tolerances  to  be  allowed  in  excess  or  deficiency  on  commercial 
weights  shall  not  be  greater  than  the  following  values;  provided,  how- 
ever, that  the  manufacturers'  tolerances  or  the  tolerances  to  be  allowed 
on  new  commercial  weights  shall  not  be  greater  than  one-half  of  the 
values  given : 


Weisht 

Tolerance 

Ordinary 

weights 
ratio 
1  to  1  pound 

Counterpoise  weights  for  multiplying-lever  scales 

Ratio  less  than 
100  to  1 
pound 

Ratio  100  to  1 
and  less  than 
1.000  to  1  pound 

Ratio  1000  to  1 
pound  and 
over 

50  pounds 

100.0  grains 
60.0  grains 
60.0  grains 
40.0  grains 
40.0  grains 
30.0  grains 
30.0  grains 
20.0  grains 
20.0  grains 
15.0  grains 
10.0  grains 
10.0  grains 
5.0  grains 
5.0  grains 
5.0  grains 
3.0  grains 
2.0  grains 
2.0  grains 
1.0  grains 
.5  grain 
.5  grain 
.5  grain 
.2  grain 

60.0    grains 
36.0    grains 
36.0    grains 
24.0    grains 
24.0    grains 
18.0    grains 
18.0    grains 
12.0    grains 
12.0    grains 
9.0    grains 
6.0    grains 
6.0    grains 
3.0    grains 
3.0    grains 
3.0    grains 
1.8    grains 
1.2    grains 
1.2    grains 
.6    grain 
.3    grain 
.3    grain 
.3    grain 
.12  grain 

40.0    grains 
24.0    grains 
24.0    grains 
16.0    grains 
16.0    grains 
12.0    grains 
12.0    grains 
8.0    grains 
8.0    grains 
6.0    grains 
4.0    grains 
4.0    grains 
2.0    grains 
2.0    grains 
2.0    grains 
1.2    grains 
.8    grains 
.8    grain 
.4    grain 
.2    grain 
.2    grain 
.2    grain 
.08  grain 

20.0    grains 
12.0    grains 
12.0    grains 
8.0    grains 
8.0    grains 
6.0    grains 
6.0    grains 
4.0    grains 
4.0    grains 
3.0    grains 
2.0    grains 
2.0    grains 
1.0    grains 
1.0    grains 
1.0    grain 
.6    grain 
.4    grain 
.4    grain 
.2    grain 
.1    grain 
.1    grain 
.1    grain 
.04  grain 

25  pounds 

20  pounds 

15  pounds    

10  pounds    

8  pounds 

5  pounds 

4  pounds    

3  pounds    

2  pounds 

1'  pound 

10  ounces  
8  ounces  

5  ounces  

4  ounces 

2  ounces 

1  ounce 

1/2    ounce   

1/4    ounce   _  

1/8    ounce     _  _ 

1/16  ounce 

1/32  ounce    
1/64  ounce   

*  Applies  to  Class  1  apparatus  only. 


TOLERANCES  AND  SPECIFICATIONS. 


27 


The  tolerances  to  be  allowed  in  excess  or  deficiency  on  apothecaries' 
prescription  weights  shall  not  be  greater  than  the  following  values; 
provided,  however,  that  the  manufacturers'  tolerances  or  the  tolerances 
to  be  allowed  on  new  apothecaries'  prescription  weights  shall  not  be 
greater  than  one-half  of  the  values  given : 

Apothecaries'    System. 

Weight  (ounces  Troy)  I      Tolerance  Weight  Tolerance 


12  ounces     _  _      _  _  

4.0  grains 

3  drachms  

.6    grain 

10  ounces 

4.0  grains 

2  drachms    

.5    grain 

8  ounces 

3  0  grains 

1  drachm 

.3    grain 

3  0  grains 

3  scruples 

3    grain 

4  ounces        _  _  _    _  _  _    _ 

2.0  grains 

2  scruples  

.3    grain 

3  ounces 

2.0  grains 

1  scruple    _. 

.15  grain 

2  ounces 

2.0  grains 

20  grains       .  _ 

.15  grain 

1  ounce 

1.0  grain 

15  grains 

.15  grain 

8  drachms   

1.0  grain 

10  grains  

.10  grain 

6  drachms 

1.0  grain 

5  grains  

.08  grain 

4  drachms 

.7  grain 

1  grain    _  _ 

.03  grain 

Metric  System. 


Weight 

Tolerance 

Weight 

Tolerance 

500  grams 

3500  milligrams 

2  grams 

150  milligrams 

200  grams 

2000  milligrams 

1  gram 

100  milligrams 

100  grams  

150.0  milligrams 

500  milligrams     

6.0  milligrams 

50  grams 

100.0  milligrams 

200  milligrams 

6.0  milligrams 

20  grams 

50.0  milligrams 

100  milligrams 

2.5  milligrams 

10  grams      _  .  _ 

40.0  milligrams 

50  milligrams 

20  milligrams 

5  grams    

20.0  milligrams 

Metric  System. 

No  specification  contained  in  the  preceding  pages  shall  be  understood 
or  construed  to  prohibit  the  sale  or  use  of  weights  and  measures  or 
weighing  or  measuring  devices  constructed  or  graduated  in  units  of 
the  metric  system. 

The  tolerances  to  be  allowed  on  any  weight  or  measure  or  weighing 
or  measuring  device  constructed  or  graduated  in  units  of  the  metric 
system,  shall  be  the  same  as  those  specified  on  similar  apparatus  of  an 
equivalent  size  or  at  an  equivalent  load,  in  the  customary  system. 

OPINION   REGULATING  THE  SALE  OF  WOOD  AND  ESTABLISHING  THE 
CORD   MEASURE. 

Section  6  of  Chapter  668,  California  Statutes,  approved  June  8,  1915, 
provides  as  follows : 

"The  state  superintendent  of  weights  and  measures  may  estab- 
lish tolerances  for  use  in  the  State  of  California  similar  to  the 
tolerances  established  by  the  national  bureau  of  standards,  and  he 
may  establish  a  standard  net  weight,  or  net  measure,  or  net  count, 
of  any  commodity,  produce,  or  article." 


28  WEIGHTS     AND   MEASURES. 

While  the  law  gives  to  the  superintendent  the  power  to  establish  and 
standardize  the  "net  weight"  and  "net  measure"  of  common  commod- 
ities in  general,  the  intent  of  the  law  is  to  fix  and  adopt  and  enforce 
a  uniform  standard  of  weight  and  measure  of  such  commodities,  the 
weight  or  measure  for  which,  under  the  present  custom  of  sale,  facili- 
tates the  perpetration  of  fraud,  or  where  the  present  custom  of  sale 
prejudices  and  discriminates  against  the  just  and  equitable  interests  of 
the  public. 

Wood,  for  fuel  purposes,  is  a  common  necessity,  and  it  shall  only  be 
sold  or  offered  for  sale  by  cord  measure,  excepting  as  hereinafter 
provided. 

The  cord  is  hereby  established  as  a  standard  measure.  Its  dimen- 
sions shall  be  eight  feet  long  and  four  feet  wide  and  four  feet  high, 
and  shall  contain  128  cubic  feet,  well  stowed  and  packed. 

In  all  sales  of  wood  for  fuel,  the  cord  of  128  cubic  feet  shall  be  the 
true  and  legal  standard  of  measure.  Any  usage,  by-law,  or  ordinance, 
or  custom  of  any  person,  firm,  or  corporation  to  the  contrary  notwith- 
standing. 

The  legal  subdivisions  of  the  cord  shall  be  ooie-fourth,  one-half  and 
three-fourths,  and  these  subdivisions  shall  be  equivalent  to  the  same 
subdivisions  of  the  cubic  feet  established  to  contain  in  the  cord,  to  wit : 

\  cord  shall  contain  32  cubic  feet. 
\  cord  shall  contain  64  cubic  feet, 
f  cord  shall  contain  90  cubic  feet. 

In  the  sale  of  stove  wood  of  any  length,  the  term  "tier"  or  "rick" 
shall  not  be  used  to  indicate  a  standard  measure.  The  term  "tier"  is 
hereby  defined  as  wood  piled  in  layers,  or  piled  uniform,  so  as  to  con- 
veniently determine -volume.  A  "rick"  has  no  meaning  in  the  sale  of 
wood.  One  "tier"  of  wood,  eight  feet  long  and  four  feet  high  and 
twelve  inches  wide,  equivalent  to  32  cubic  feet,  shall  be  designated  and 
sold  as  one-fourth  cord.  One  ' '  tier ' '  of  wood,  eight  feet  long  and  four 
feet  high  and  twenty-four  inches  wide,  equivalent  to  64  cubic  feet,  shall 
be  designated  and  sold  as  one-half  cord. 

The  lengths  into  which  the  wood  may  be  sawed,  and  offered  for  sale, 
shall  not  in  any  way  affect  the  cubic  volume  of  the  standard  cord. 

In  the  sale  of  wood  for  fuel,  each  load,  part  of  load,  or  parcel  of 
wood  shall  be  accompanied  by  a  voucher  or  tag,  certifying  to  the  num- 
ber of  cords  or  part  of  cord  of  wood  in  each  load,  and  such  voucher  or 
tag  shall  state  the  true  measure  of  wood  delivered. 

No  provision  or  part  of  this  opinion  shall  be  construed  to  prevent 
the  sale  of  box-wood  or  kindling,  or  cut  lumber  by  the  load. 

Yours  very  truly, 

CHAS.  G.  JOHNSON, 
State  Superintendent  of  Weights  and  Measures. 


TOLERANCES   AND    SPECIFICATIONS. 


29 


Tests   made  and   sworn  to,  showing   number  of  cubic  feet   remaining  out   of  a 
(4x4x8=128  cubic  feet)   cord,  after  sawing   in   lengths  as  follows: 


91  Inches 

Per  cent 

12  Inches 

Per  cent 

16  Inches 

Per  cent 

24  Inches 

Per  cent 

Test  No.  1- 

102 

20 

96 

25 

107 

168 

112 

12J 

Test  No.  3 

90  to  120 

161 

Test  No.  4 

96 

25 

91 

30 

1168 

9 

Test  No.  5  

96 

25 

105 

18 

112 

12i 

Test  No.  6  __      .. 

105 

18 

109 

20 

112 

121 

Test  No   7 

99} 

22 

Test  No.  8 

80  to  % 

25 

Test  No   9 

901 

30 

109 

20 

Test  No   10 

96 

25 

Test  No.  11  

84 

35 

98 

25 





116 

9 

CHAS.  G.   JOHNSON, 
State  Superintendent  of  Weights  and  Measures. 


STATE  DEPARTMENT 

'OF 

WEIGHTS  AND  MEASURES 

CHAS.  C.  JOHNSON, 

SUPERINTENDENT 

o.  CALIFORNIA 


